Archives: CCFA

Sunflowers of summer

Sunflowers of summer

This past weekend I took part in the education symposium for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Along with my friend and colleague Barbara Harrison Klaynan we ran the pediatric portion of the event. Typically at this event there are loads of kids, but this year there were only 2. They happened to be the same age of 15 and it was really awesome. Even though only 2 kids showed up – I believe that we managed to make an impact. Barbara had some great drama therapy activities to play with the kids and I did a few yoga stretches and breathing exercises with them. One of the kids was just recently diagnosed with crohns and he seemed to not be in the greatest place when he first came into the room. By the end, he was talking and laughing with the other kid and I’d like to think that we created a safe space where both children knew that A) they weren’t alone with this disease and B) they could open up to us since we knew exactly what they were going through.

There really is something about ‘being in this together’ and not feeling like you’re completely alone. If you haven’t been to a CCFA event yet, get yourself to one. There are walks and races all around the country and it’s a fantastic place to meet people that are just like us. Colitis and crohns are ‘silent’ diseases since you can’t see them from the outside, and that’s why it’s even more important to stick together. Spread the word to those that you know and love that there are other people out there and we need to connect and stay together.

Knowledge and friendship is power.

Camp Oasis co-counselors!

Camp Oasis co-counselors!

T.I.W.I.K.T.

Things I Wish I Knew Thursday:

When I was younger I wish I knew about Camp Oasis, the CCFA camp for kids with crohns and colitis. I would have loved to be a camp counselor in college. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the community last year and I’m hopeful that I’ll get to be a part of it again this summer! The kids are un-like any other group that I’ve ever met . In dealing with their disease, they have been forced to grow up fast and because of that, they are caring, grateful and most importantly they just want to have fun! It makes for a fantastic week filled with laughter and a loving community. Can’t wait to go back to Oasis!

Bright Sunshine Flower

This week someone asked me what my yogic philosophy is. I absolutely loved this question because my answer rolled off my tongue and I didn’t even have to think twice about it. I know it’s because I live, eat and breathe this stuff, but anyway – here it is:

Listen to your body and everything else will eventually fall into place. When you stop, listen and are aware of the breath and how the body feels – that’s when the magic happens. Stress releases, anxiety falls to the wayside and the only important thing is you and your body. How magical.

I hope you can take some time this weekend to check in, listen to your breath and find peace in your body.

I’ll be at camp for a week! Yep, that’s right, I’m a camp counselor for 1 week at Camp Oasis which is a special camp for kids with crohns and colitis. I’ll be doing lots of breathing and team work too!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Today’s all about the revolution, what revolution you ask?

Yesterday I spoke to a man who had half of his colon removed due to ulcerative colitis – he said there’s only so much he can do now with only half of his colon but for those who do have their colon, there’s SO much to be done… Listen up everyone – we are starting a revolution in the IBD world (those who suffer from UC, crohns and other stomach problems) this disease can be changed and I believe there IS a cure! There, I finally said it. That’s what you’ve been wanting to hear isn’t it? The cure is to put in the work and effort to find the right diet and lifestyle that works for you and most importantly stick with it! It’s time to stop trying tons of diets, new fads and all that the media has to offer – it’s about time we listen to our bodies, get back to the garden and eat real, wholesome foods. It’s time to de-stress every single day, not just one time a week in yoga class or at the gym, but on your own at home.

The biggest news of the month for me is that I’m creating a program to help you with all of these aspects that I just mentioned. Hence the revolution I speak about above. It’s time for you to make your own revolution within your body. My program will focus on detox, how to find the right diet for you and how to create your own home practice where you can de-stress, breathe and feel great. We’ll teach you all types of tools to make this process of shifting into the world of health as seamless as possible. We can give you the tools, but it’s up to you to make the change.

This motivation is seeping out through my pores, I hope you can feel it. This revolution will be big!

Buckle up.

I leave you with this incredible song by Tracy Chapman.

Talkin’ Bout A Revolution: